Personally I'm glad the "old Daala" is back. What with the way she was portrayed in the beginning of the series I felt like I was in some Star Wars Twilight Zone universe. The universe has been righted and I'm feeling back to normal.

I think Allston left intriguing leads for Golden and Denning to follow up on. I'm looking forward to Ascension and Apocalypse._________________Roqoo Depot co-founder.

Good grief. I knew you'd read it fast, but still! I fully expect you to be finished by tomorrow. _________________
"It's not about the legacy you leave, it's about the life you live." ~Mara Jade Skywalker

Luke, Ben, and Vestara: while I liked their character developments and interactions, I was disappointed that they hadn't accomplished more when the book was done. Just a lot of traveling around looking for clues. On the other hand, I found myself liking Vestara a lot more since her budding romance with Ben was less emphasized than in previous books. Let a little more of her character come through without her seeming as much like a plot device. I also really like the way Allston writes Luke and Ben. You really get a sense of their relationship.

Callista: I am no fan of this character. The sooner she was eliminated entirely, the better. However, I did like the way it was done. Respectful, appropriate. But she's gone. Yay!

Allana: Gosh, was she handled better in this book! I was actually interested in and concerned about her plot arc. That's a first. Though I must complain about Tenal Ka's lack of real involvement in that story. Ah well. I still enjoyed it.

Han and Leia: This is the best they've been in awhile, in my opinion. Actually getting into the action at times instead of getting bogged down in more talky plots. Their dialogue really reminded me of their OT personalities, which is always a plus, in my book.

The Jedi coup: I loved it. Absolutely loved it. It was bold and forceful. Some people may dislike this, since it is a bit un-Jedi, but I was more than ready for it after how complacent the Council was during Jacen's rise to power. I also thought it was executed quite nicely. Glad to see a few of the Masters get a little more page time. Particularly loved Han's contributions.

Tahiri: Her page time was pretty small, when I looked back on it, but I really felt it made an impact. I had been torn over her trial. On the one hand, I felt she deserved the guilty verdict for murdering Pallaeon. On the other, I certainly didn't want her character put to death after all she's been through. So, I really liked where she was left at the end of the book.

Jaina and Jag: While I liked them alot, they were pretty irrelevant. Most disappointing. Jaina, as the last Solo "kid" alive, deserves more plot than she gets.

I also must comment on Boba Fett's appearance. Most of you know that I am not a huge Fett fan. I like him fine, but think he's overrated. That said, I was glad to see him. I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store there.

I think it was Mara who said that she thinks Wynn Dorvan is a character to watch, either here on the forums or in her review. I think she's absolutely right. I keep waiting for them to do something with him.

All in all, Conviction wasn't the best book in the series, but it was very enjoyable. I honestly was expecting someone to die toward the end there, but I'm glad they didn't.

Another non-spoilery note: I found that Mara's copy of Conviction had a few misspellings. Anyone else notice this?_________________All things die, Anakin Skywalker, even stars burn out.

So this is how liberty dies....with thunderous applause.

Those without swords can still die upon them

The world is a mess and I just need to rule it.

Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 11:20 pm

Message

Mara Jade SkywalkerAdministrator

Joined: 15 Feb 2008Posts: 5694Location: Beyond Shadows

Bravo, Padme! I agree with all of the above points. You summed it up quite nicely. _________________
"It's not about the legacy you leave, it's about the life you live." ~Mara Jade Skywalker

Thanks, Mara! I'm sure I missed quite a few things, but those were the main points I remembered._________________All things die, Anakin Skywalker, even stars burn out.

So this is how liberty dies....with thunderous applause.

Those without swords can still die upon them

The world is a mess and I just need to rule it.

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 10:18 am

Message

Darth SkuldrenModerator

Joined: 04 Feb 2008Posts: 6580Location: Missouri

What did everyone think of Vestara's journal?

Click here to see the hidden message (It might contain spoilers)

I thought it was an interesting plot device as it helps Vestara soften her Sith edges by thinking outside the box and widening her perception. It's a good step toward her turning into something different. I'm not so sure she's going to become a Jedi though. I could definitely see her retaining a lot of her Sith qualities regardless of what she becomes.

_________________
"I believe toys resonate with us as humans, we can hold them them, it's tactile, real! They are totems for our extended beliefs and imaginations. A fetish for ideas that hold as much interest and passion as old religious relics for some. We display them in our homes. They show who we are. They are signals for similar thinking people. A way we connect with each other...and I guess thats why I do toys. That connection." -Ashley Wood

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 12:37 pm

Message

WerehunterKnight

Joined: 08 Apr 2011Posts: 362

I'm mixed about the journal. On one hand, it was a great tool to show up some very basic but important differences between Jedi and Sith. It showed up the little things rather then the big things that are typically shown. On the other hand, it felt like they were trying to make us feel sorry for Vestara and was done to make those who dislike her change their mind. I personally don't like it when stories do that.

Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2011 3:44 pm

Message

NedaraKnight

Joined: 08 Apr 2011Posts: 396

I see it in a more simple way. It's just a reflection of a clash of cultures. What it's really common to anyone is something completely new for Vestara.

Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2011 11:57 am

Message

LaneWinreePadawan

Joined: 18 May 2011Posts: 85Location: Seattle, WA

I'm only about halfway through, what with finals and all sucking my life away, but thus far I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised with Conviction. The narrative is tight, perhaps the best example of it in the series so far. Usual Allston tone that I feel matches the film universe fairly well.

Honestly, I think this could become the best entry in FotJ for me. Definitely a huge step up from Vortex.

Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2011 10:10 pm

Message

DarthSanithKnight

Joined: 26 Jul 2010Posts: 198

is reading it and finished chapter 23

Click here to see the hidden message (It might contain spoilers)

the book is good so far, i love the part in chapter 23, though, where the Bothan keeps talking to Han.
"Got that, Fuzzy? I just shot a bunch of troopers in the back. Would a hero of the Alliance do that?"- Han
"I bet you used stun bolts."-Bothan
Han growled.
haha i also thought the part where Han told him he would shave him and paint him gold, then sell him to Jawas. lol you got to love Han